Despite President Trump's proposed elimination of certain programs in Hawaii, Congress released a bipartisan spending deal that not only protects funding for East-West Center and other critical programs, but increases funding for Native Hawaiian education and health care, affordable housing, veterans affairs, military construction and much more. Thank you to the efforts and support of U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, who helped to successfully advance state priorities that are now included in the final deal. Senator Schatz says “this appropriations bill will give our state funding to create jobs, help our veterans, protect our environment, and strengthen education and health care programs.” Mahalo to all of our congressional delegation for their efforts in securing needed program funds for Hawaii.

Click here to read more about the increased federal funding for Hawaii.